Marie-Alexandre MENUT ALOPHE (1812-1883) - Lot 221

Marie-Alexandre MENUT ALOPHE (1812-1883) Portrait of a Bourgeois Woman, circa 1870 Albumen print Dimensions: 27 x 19 cm Note: Portrait of a woman by Marie-Alexandre Menut, known as Alophe, a photographer active in the 19th century, renowned for his portraits of the bourgeoisie and the artistic world. This large-format print on albumen paper illustrates the mastery of the then-dominant process, characterized by great precision and subtle nuances. It bears witness to the rise of the photographic portrait as a tool of social representation in the second half of the 19th century. The setting, the model's attitude and the care taken with the presentation reflect the visual codes of the bourgeoisie of the time, between social affirmation and idealization of the subject.